Charmaine, Thank you ! What a lovely testimony and thank you for allowing me to share it. You are a very special part of our Love Renewed story and it is so special to see how God has prepared you through all stages of your life to do His wonderful work. Looking after your kids and family is we know a huge commitment but praise God for your willingness to see them grown, matured and ready to fly the nest. And now the Lord has saved some really good stuff for last.
For those who don’t know you, Charmaine lives in Cape Town in Pinehurst and attends Emmanuel Church in Durbanville. She has been with Love Renewed for over 20 years and is still very much involved. She is a consultant for the beautiful Rooibos cosmetics and she has served the Lord faithfully since the age of 23. Of course there is so much more to say and tell but may that give you a little of her background.. The Lord continues to use Charmaine and has opened some exciting doors.
Here is her story. Enjoy and be inspired !
While my children were growing up, I often mentioned in passing that I knew there was more for me to do for the Lord, but that the most important thing at the time was to give my children my full support in all that they needed me for.
Once my youngest was emotionally independent and had created her tribe of support, I knew it was time to knock at our church door and announce my availability.
At the time, they did not need me for anything, so I decided to attend every possible course offered at the church to equip myself for what I needed to do. (I had no idea what it was!)
I completed all the Equipped to Love, and then Care courses offered. I then took the Leaders in Training and Basic Principles of Biblical Counselling courses at Bible Counselling Africa. I loved every minute of each course, and I grew in my biblical knowledge.
This year our church sent a team to support the missionaries in Asia attending the annual SLC (Spiritual Life Conference) and I was chosen to be one of them.
Being an instrument on this two-week trip was life-changing in every way. My heart was changed, and my eyes were opened to the darkness of the Asian continent. By caring for the children, we gave the missionaries time to refuel their spiritual tanks knowing that their children were in good hands.
During our second week, we worked with university students drawn to The Centre, in Chiang Mai, near 3 universities. You can follow The Centre on social media to see what activities are offered. A safe environment is created where the students feel comfortable and ultimately hear the gospel. They are starved of love and attention. We gave them a lot of love and played many games as well as a South African-themed evening where Bobotie and yellow rice along with chutney and malva pudding was served, they loved it!
Coming home, I realised I must be ready to go when the Lord calls me. Wherever!
I am looking forward to where He calls me next!
Charmaine Willemse